Chinatown, CA

Los Angeles
Chinatown featuring heritage architecture
Spend an afternoon wandering around this historic ethnic neighborhood, which is home to diverse restaurants, a thriving art scene and quirky grocery stores.

Los Angeles’ Chinatown is an eclectic little neighborhood where you can shop for items ranging from herbal remedies to Asian art. In addition to traditional Chinese shops, this buzzing district has trendy galleries and stylish restaurants. Stock up on rare spices and inexpensive jewelry, savor a meal of dim sum or sip craft beers.

The development of Union Station in 1938 forced the city’s early Chinese community to relocate from its initial settlement. The Central Plaza, the neighborhood’s busy main square, was dedicated the same year and still forms the heart of Chinatown to this day. Be sure to check out this bustling square at night, when it is illuminated with neon pagoda lights and lanterns.

Across the street from Central Plaza, you’ll find Chung King Road, which has some of the city’s top art galleries. This once-rundown pedestrian passage is now regularly packed with trendsetters attending gallery openings, particularly on Saturday nights. Seek out more contemporary galleries along Gin Ling Way, on the west side of Broadway.

Stop for lunch at Philippe the Original, a cafeteria-style deli that claims to have invented the French dip sandwich. A neighborhood institution since 1908, this low-key restaurant is also known for its potent house mustard.

Take a look inside Taoist Thien Hau Temple, which is dedicated to the patron saint of sailors and fishermen. Look for a ceremonial drum and bell hanging next to the beautifully carved columns at the temple’s entrance. Inside, you’ll see granite panels carved with depictions of tigers and dragons.

Like other Chinatowns around the world, Los Angeles’ Chinatown is particularly festive during Chinese New Year. Typically beginning in late January, this month-long festival features fireworks displays, pageants, parades and other lively events. If you visit during this celebration, be sure to try nian gao (a steamed cake), which is traditionally eaten during the New Year.

Chinatown is bordered by Alameda Street, Bernard Street, Yale Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue. You’ll find plenty of open-air lots and enclosed garages for parking. Alternatively, ride the metro to Chinatown station.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Chinatown Hotel Deals

Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport
Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport
3.5 out of 5
9750 Airport Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is $93 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
$93
$108 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, a free airport shuttle, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
6/10 (5,435 reviews)
"Good."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Four Points by Sheraton Los Angeles International Airport
Freehand Los Angeles
Freehand Los Angeles
4 out of 5
416 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA
The price is $117 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
$117
$167 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, 3 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,359 reviews)
"Location & Ambience!"

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Freehand Los Angeles
Hotel Burbank
Hotel Burbank
3 out of 5
150 E Angeleno Ave, Burbank, CA
The price is $145 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
$145
$162 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this hotel in Burbank. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (3,653 reviews)
Nice and convienient
"The room was just basic. It was fine. Could use a deep cleaning. The carpet seemed musty and almost damp. The fan in the bathroom was very loud sounded like a vacuum cleaner. Bad lighting. But the bed was comfy and the staff was very sweet and helpful and accommodating."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Hotel Burbank
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
4 out of 5
6101 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is $139 per night from Apr 1 to Apr 2
$139
$162 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 1 - Apr 2
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy breakfast, a free airport shuttle, and a health club. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff ...
8/10 Very Good! (5,689 reviews)
"Great stay! Price was affordable for booking a last minute trip. My room was clean and they had excellent service. The only con was the parking options."

Reviewed on Mar 25, 2024

Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
Sheraton Universal Hotel
Sheraton Universal Hotel
4 out of 5
333 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, CA
The price is $233 per night from Apr 28 to Apr 29
$233
$271 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 28 - Apr 29
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Universal City. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,336 reviews)
"Our lanai was right off the pool! Great access to the back patio of the restaurant as well. Breakfast buffet was good. Dinner was good also. Beds were comfortable but rooms were a bit small. The shuttle to and from the park was awesome after a day of exploring."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Sheraton Universal Hotel
Loews Hollywood Hotel
Loews Hollywood Hotel
4 out of 5
1755 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
The price is $251 per night from Apr 2 to Apr 3
$251
$319 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 2 - Apr 3
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (3,580 reviews)
"Connected to the Ovation."

Reviewed on Mar 27, 2024

Loews Hollywood Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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